University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

As a senior in high school, I was able to be in the Youth Options program which allowed for me to attend UW-Waukesha and earn college credit while still being enrolled at my high school. My senior year, I finished 15 college credits while working full-time and really not having to attend my high school. The only advice I would have given myself is to take another 3 credit class and to improve my studying techniques a little more. Having had this experience, it prepared me a lot for what was to come entering into a 4-year University and the courses that would be coming my way. Looking back at how i moved through my senior year, I would not have changed it; this was the best experience for me and it allowed for me to get ahead in my education and will leave me at a junior standing in the 2014/2015 school year at the age of 19 years old. If I could talk to my senior year self, I would say, "keep doing what you are doing and continue to work hard!"

I would have to say that I would need to be more prepared for how hard some of the courses are. I was able to get away with not studying in High School and that was one of the hardest things that I have had to adjust to in college. I also remember being very nervous about college because I believed that I wasn't going to make any friends. I would tell myself that I just need to stay true to who I am and not to worry because everyone here is so accepting and that I have nothing to worry about.

I would save up a lot more money for college and I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships sooner. Finances have been the most difficult part of my college experience. I would keep studying hard and keep focused, because starting those practices young helped to shape how well I did in college.

If I could give myself any advice when I was a high school senior it would have to be to go in and meet the professor. When coming into college I did not think of it as a big deal. I assumed knowing the professor would not make any difference. Now after completing a year of college, I would have to disagree with myself a year ago. I learned professors are always willing to help in any way they can. After going to my professor in a class that was I was not satisfied with the grade, my final grade was higher all because I went and met with the professor. Whether it's needed or not, always introducing yourself to your professor can be beneficial for the student. It shows the professor that the student is interested in succeeding and receiving help.

Study as much as possible and value all of your coursework. Good grades are important to getting a good job and college is only 4 years verse the rest of your life. All it takes is four years of focus. Do not chose a program or degree based on how much money it makes, rather, chose something that you legitimately enjoy because if you are good enough at it, the money will come. Also, be financially responsible and save now to have more later. Finally I would say to enjoy the little things in life and don't take anything for granted. The people around us and things we become acustomed to will not always be there for us so value what you have while you still can.

I would tell myself to get better grades, and go strait to college and not wait like I did.

High school senior self, the dorm life is not as great as you think it is. People are still catty, gossipy, and still like to create drama. You will realize there are more benefits of home than you realize. You will also realize there is a lot of compromises that have to be made when living with someone who is not your family. The financial strain of living on campus in a dorm is not worth the stress and loans. You will appreciate your parents, own room, and luxery of able to choose make your meals after you live on campus. The most important thing to remember is not to care what other people think. Do things that make you happy and do not change your self or views for anyone. It will be hard to stay true to yourself but you can do it. By staying true to yourself you will find more people who truelly accept you for you and who are your true friends. Staying true to yourself will also relieve alot of stress. Enjoy college and make the most out of it because you will not want to pay to go to school ever again.

As a 35 year old working and attending school full time, I would tell myself that college is about far more than just preparing you for a job. It prepares you for life, it teaches you how to be an effective learner and communicator, and it opens doors for you. You will spend almost one third of your adult life working. That is far too much time to spend at a job you hate, even a job that pays exceptionally well. There is more to life than money, and a degree will open many doors for you when you come to that realization. For many professions, a degree, even in an unrelated field, is a minimum requirement employment. To that end, your degree will provide you with freedom, the freedom to grow, the freedom to change, and the ability to be heard by those you work with and for. Even if you do not know what your passion in life is today, a degree is the foundation to having the life you'll one day dream of.

There are two things I think college students need to understand before they start college. They need know that everything they've accomplished thus far through high school means nothing. You can use it for your confidence or self-pride but none of that really matters, your future and how your life will turn out is going to be determined by what you do starting now in college. Another MAJOR thing that incoming freshman need to realize is that high school does not prepare you for college. High school is very very easy compared to college. People need to understand that you will have to work hard, and you will have to study a lot in college. Study everyday and keep up with your coursework such as memorizing your notes at least on a weekly basis. That way you won't be stressed come exam time nor will you be stressed come finals time. If you want to succeed and do well in college STUDY EVERYDAY and keep up with your material at least on a weekly basis. If you follow that, the hard work will pay off and you will do well and your goals will become a reality.

I would have been more outgoing and social. I was involved in a few organizations, but did not get involved outside of those few. Because I did not strive to participate in other activities, I had a close knit group of friends and did not socialize much outside of that group of friends. If I would have been more social and outgoing in high school, my adjustment into college would have been easier. Also, I probably would have tried more things. I was highly focused on my schooling, which was good because I graduated with a high GPA, however it did not give me the opportunity to do much other than study. I should have tried harder to balance my school, family, work, and social life. Because of how I chose to do high school, at first it was hard to meet new people and make new friends at college. However, the choices I made in high school helped me decide that I did not want to make those same choices in college. Now I am much better at meeting new people and getting involved, as well as balancing all areas of my life.